Mary L. Kolesa Obituary
With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Mary L. Kolesa of Edwardsville, Illinois, whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed on July 27, 2025 at the age of 95. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her mother Florence Perini; her husband John Kolesa; her father Louis Perini Sr.; her brothers, Louis Perini Jr. and Joseph Perini; and her grandson Dane Whitworth.
She is survived by: her children, Karen Echternach (late Jon), Jeanne Gent (Tom), Linda Whitworth, Debra McGinnis (Kevin), Michele Schauster (John), Jane Stroder (Merl), Mary Ann Rydland (Kirk) and Kevin Kolesa; her grandchildren, Tyler Echternach, Naomi Hacker (Nate), Jesse Echternach (Erin), Chris Gent (Mandy), Brian Gent (Lauren), Jennifer Kilcrease, Peter Gent (Eileen), Seth Whitworth (Ali), Cody Whitworth (Jesse), Bryce Whitworth (Kristen), Blake Kolesa, Katie (Brian), Alice (Kris), Matt (Angie), Peggy (Pradeep), Ben Schauster, Erin Schauster (Pat Ferrucci), Annie Schauster, Ty Welchlen (Yvette), Amber Kessler (Jeff), Jenna Smit (Ryan), Joshua Stroder (Kara), Jonathan Stroder, Laura Hodgson (Jim), Kristin Rydland, Jack, Ryan, Easton, Ashlyn, Adelyn, Aiden, Charlie, Conner (Grace), Colin, Brynn, Jamey, Shae, Shanna, Garrett, Josephine, Finleigh, Harper, Hudson, Niall, Maeve, Rory, Mary Kate, Dottie, Henry, Emelia, Liam, Ronan, Sourin, Cora, Karan, Leigha, Ashlynne, Madee, Owen, Colton, Norah, Paige, Isabella, Everly, Magdalene, Orson, Grace, George and William; and her great great grandchild Mianna Kilcrease. She is also survived by eight children, 25 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.
Memorial donations in Mary's memory may be directed to any local PBS station or local botanical garden.
